Lucy completes gruelling row for charity

She pushed her way through 12 hours of continuous rowing to raise money for the Boston Rowing Community Programme, to support young people of the Haven High School in Boston.

Money raised will help with funding a coach to run the programme for an academic year as well as costs for equipment and resources.

Triple Olympic gold medalist rower Andrew Triggs Hodge, now director with non-profit organisation London Youth Rowing (LYR) which is supporting Lucy accompanied her, cycling alongside her.

Lucy, who took up rowing following her diagnosis, is a former long-distance lorry driver from the Teeside area, but has strong links to Boston and Boston Rowing Club, where she started from.

Lucy had done five Boston Rowing Marathons over the years and holds the women's para-rowing record for it.

She became the first to do it there and back in a single scull before – a total of 100km.

She said after completing the row: “It was an incredible experience although as hard as challenge as I’ve ever taken on.

“While I have a lot of experience rowing marathons, the heat and the wind made this one of my toughest rows. I was blown away by the support I received from the general public as I usually do this to very little fanfare and really I don’t seek it all - but I have to say it was very special, and very welcome, to see people clapping and cheering on the riverbanks throughout the day.

“It certainly helped spur me on during the toughest parts of the challenge and I’d like to thank everyone who helped support me– including Andy, without him there with me every step of the way I’m not sure I would managed to complete all 100km!”

Former long-distance lorry driver Lucy was diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) 15 years ago.

Within two years of her diagnosis, she found it very difficult to walk and turned to rowing to help increase her mobility and slow down the onset of the physical symptoms of the disease.

She went from a beginner’s class at her local rowing club ten years ago to have now become an ultra-marathon rower training who trains six days a week.

Lucy said: “I use rowing to keep me walking, but I don't run my life around MS. Training for these events gives me a goal that is nothing to do with disease and disability, and hence keeps me motivated.

“My greatest achievement though, is that I am now 15 years post-PPMS diagnosis and, by training six days a week in the boat/on the erg (when forced) I'm still walking. Which I'm told I shouldn't be by this stage. So, for me, that's what matters, that's what keeps me going, so that'll do.”

Andy Triggs Hodge said: “Lucy is a force of nature; she is a passionate person who gives and gives. She mucks in where others fear to tread and it's because of her and people like her the sport of rowing operates at all - it's thankless hard work.”

To support Lucy, go to virginmoneygiving.com/fund/Lucy100